Discuss barriers to practice as an APN in one’s state from both a state and national perspective. Research methods to influence policy change from various forms of competition, state legislative and executive branches of government and interest groups.
Preparing the Discussion
Using the readings from this week as well as reliable outside resources to:
- Identify and describe practice barriers for all four APNs' roles in your state and discuss these barriers on a state and national level. The four roles include the nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist.
- Identify forms of competition on the state and national level that interfere with APNs' ability to practice independently.
- Identify the specific lawmakers by name at the state level (i.e., key members of the state's legislative branch and executive branch of government)
- Discuss interest groups that exist at the state and national levels that influence APN policy.
- Discuss methods used to influence change in policy in forms of competition, state legislative and executive branches of government, and interest groups.
- A scholarly resource must be used for EACH discussion question each week.
Full Answer Section
- Restrictive regulations: Some states have restrictive regulations that make it difficult for APNs to practice independently. These regulations can include requirements for supervision by a physician, limits on the types of services that APNs can provide, and mandatory continuing education requirements.
National barriers:
- Lack of public awareness: Many people are not aware of the role of APNs. This can make it difficult for APNs to get referrals from physicians and other healthcare providers.
- Lack of support from physician organizations: Some physician organizations have opposed the expansion of APN practice. This can make it difficult for APNs to achieve parity with physicians in terms of reimbursement and scope of practice.
- Lack of research on APN effectiveness: There is limited research on the effectiveness of APNs. This can make it difficult for APNs to demonstrate their value to policymakers and to the public.
Methods to influence policy change:
There are a number of ways to influence policy change to address the barriers to APN practice. These methods include:
- Advocating with state and national policymakers: APNs can advocate with state and national policymakers to change laws and regulations that restrict APN practice. This can be done by testifying at legislative hearings, writing letters to policymakers, and meeting with policymakers in person.
- Building relationships with physician organizations: APNs can build relationships with physician organizations to educate them about the role of APNs and to gain their support for expanding APN practice.
- Funding research on APN effectiveness: APNs can fund research on the effectiveness of APNs to demonstrate their value to policymakers and to the public.
- Educating the public about APNs: APNs can educate the public about the role of APNs to increase awareness of their services and to gain public support for expanding APN practice.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the methods that can be used to influence policy change to address the barriers to APN practice. The specific methods that are most effective will vary depending on the specific barriers and the political climate in the state or country.